“We certainly told the players and coaching staff that Milan cannot be satisfied with 12th place in Serie A. They must be concentrated and stay together, so in that sense the ritiro seems to be the best option.

“It is a decision made by the Coach, shared by the club, so no players complained. When results are lacking, there is always a reason and we have to find it. This is a useful ritiro for everyone and not just an empty gesture.

“Milanello is a lovely place, so it’s hardly a jail cell. It is a place to stay together, concentrate and prepare the climb back up the table.”

Milan will face Udinese on Saturday evening and it will have fans in the stadium after a one-match ban on San Siro was suspended on appeal.

Today there was an in-house friendly in which the Milan Primavera youth team squad beat the senior side 1-0.

“I believe we can get Kaka, Valter Birsa and Matias Silvestre back this weekend,” continued Galliani.

“We need to wait a little more for Mattia De Sciglio. He won’t be fit for Udinese, but we’ll see against Barcelona.”